Schuylkill County Obituaries for 12/21/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eugene A. Ritsick, 80, of Brockton, PA was welcomed into God’s heavenly kingdom on Friday, December 21, 2018 while surrounded by his loving family.
He was the husband of Patricia (Pat) Freeh Stefanek with whom he spent 32 years and celebrated 21 years of marriage this past September 24th. Born in Kelayres, PA, Eugene was a son of the late John and Anna (nee Seroka) Ritsick.
Having been a member of the former St. Kunegunda’s Church, McAdoo, PA when he moved to Tamaqua, PA, he joined Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, now the Parish of St. John XXIII. Eugene served in and was honorably discharged from the Pennsylvania National Guard. A 1956 graduate of the former McAdoo High School, Gene excelled in basketball while in school.
Although receiving a full scholarship to Albright College, he chose to continue to work in the construction business with his father. After his father’s retirement in the late 1960’s, Gene started the Eugene A. Ritsick Custom Home Building Company that he owned and operated for 30 years. He was a master carpenter and mason who was known and respected for his quality and perfection, with attention to detail in every home that he built. Well known in the Tamaqua and Hazleton areas, Gene never had to advertise as his work spoke for him. He loved all sports, but mostly Penn State football and had been a season ticket holder for 30 years. Gene loved taking his motorhome to State College for home game weekends and he followed PSU to their national championships and numerous other bowl games throughout the United States. In his younger years he also played semi pro volleyball. An avid hunter and fisherman, Gene traveled to Montana and Massachusetts to enjoy both sports. He loved nature’s beauty and peacefulness. Gene loved traveling with his wife to Alaska, Jamaica, and numerous states throughout the US.
He was a devoted and loving husband who dedicated many years to her desires. Over the years, Gene enjoyed the antics and companionship of his many Boxer dogs, Athena, Caesar, Bella, Layla, and now the only living girl, Dazzle.
Surviving along with his wife Pat are daughters, Lisa Ritsick of Shenandoah, PA, Renee Ritsick of Kelayres, Rachelle Stefanek Coleman of Brockton, and Renee Stefanek Styka of Tamaqua; sons, David Ritsick of McAdoo, Michael Ritsick of Lansdale, PA, and Jeffery Ritsick; grandchildren, Jonathan Ritsick, Randy Ritsick, Tyler Ritsick, Michael Styka, and Keagan Coleman; sisters, Eleanor Lazar of Beaver Meadows, PA and Dolores Ritsick of Kelayres. Gene also has two nephews to whom he was very close, Matthew Lazar and his wife Nadine and Greg Lazar and his wife Diane.
He was predeceased by brothers, John Ritsick and Charles Ritsick.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, December 27 in St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 307 Pine Street, Tamaqua.
Interment in Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Owl Creek will follow the mass. Call 6-8 PM on Wednesday, December 26 at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua. Memorials in Eugene’s name may be made to The Parish of St. John XXIII, 307 Pine Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252. Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
